Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
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76. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students who were awarded SUSI grants in the current academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55461/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The main support available to assist students with the cost of attending higher education is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to eligible students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.

Student grants are available for students looking to study at PLC, undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

A Part-Time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses which commenced in September 2024 provides fee support to eligible part-time students attending specified publicly funded undergraduate courses leading to a major award. This includes specified in person and blended/hybrid courses and its aim is to provide additional flexibility in respect of course provision to students who are socio-economically disadvantaged.

The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for SUSI to determine.

I can confirm that as of 10th October 2025, 79,401 students have been awarded student grants for the 2025/26 academic year.

Please note that this figure may change as processing is ongoing for the 2025/26 academic year.